81 On The Carpet She's A Goddess

The sun was already setting by the time Shin drove inside the mansion's lawn. Gu Man along with some maids was already waiting outside. They greeted Hou Wei Yan with a bow as soon as she walked out of the car.

"Madame" a brunette lady greeted as soon as she entered her room. She raised her head making Hou Wei Yan tilt her head. She's a new face. "We're here to help you with the party"

"Oh, I'll take a bath first" Hou Wei Yan said, about to enter her bathroom when the woman stopped her with her words.

"Madame, let us help you with that" she suddenly said making Hou Wei Yan stop. Since she was new, she probably didn't know that she bathed by herself.

Hou Wei Yan shook her head and looked at her with a smile seeking understanding. She doesn't like it when others bathe her. "No, I can bathe by myself"

"Madame, today is a special occasion and special occasions come with special preparations" the woman said as she urged some maids to walk closer to her. "You need a massage first before you can enter the bath. We will help you bath this time"

"But---"

"We will be using oils and flowers, the Madame can't pull it off by herself" she said, her voice firm yet calm. Her eyes did not show any sign of backing down. Hou Wei Yan was taken by surprise. "Please allow us to do our part, Madame"

[ Oh? She's quite bold ] she thought before smiling.

"What's your name?"

The maid bowed down in respect as she introduced herself. "I'm Song Ye Jin, Madame. Your personal maid"

"What?"

[ Personal maid? Gu Man is already enough, now I have a personal maid as well? ]

"From now on, I will be taking care of Madame's daily necessities" Ye Jin said as she gently leads Hou Wei Yan to the massage table her subordinates prepared. One of the maids played relaxing music which made Wei Yan smile at their consideration. "Now, please don't be stubborn and lay down for the massage"

She glanced at Song Ye Jin before she lay down on the massage table, now cloaked in a towel. "I like you. You remind me of Auntie Ran"

"I shall take that as a compliment, Madame" Ye Jin said with a smile. Hou Wei Yan slowly relaxed as Ye Jin's subordinates began massaging her body.

After a good few minutes, they led her straight to the bathroom where an aromatic rosewater bath awaits her. She felt her muscle relax as she plunged into the bath they prepared for her.

The maids busied themselves by checking the water temperature and applying fragrant shampoo to her hair. Once they were done and Hou Wei Yan's body finally relaxed, they helped her out and immediately brought her to the dressing room.

Hou Wei Yan's hair was not yet dried so she walked the hallway with her red robe clinging to her body and her hair sticking out. The maids who were watching from afar can't help but admire just how beautiful she was despite such simplicity. Her natural beauty was something they had always admired. With her dripping wet look out in the open, they can't help but marvel at her even more. Her golden locks that highlight her emerald green eyes were beyond them.

When she noticed their stares, Song Ye Jin immediately draped a white towel in Hou Wei Yan's hair and helped her dry it up once they entered the room while her maids brought out her chosen dress for the evening.

As they helped her dress up, she tilted her head towards Song Ye Jin who was busy choosing the right hair ornament for her. "Would Darlene come today?"

"Yes" Ye Jin replied before picking up the jeweled emerald green rose ornament. She slowly walked towards her and checked if her hair was already dry enough. "But Mr. Chartier will only help with your make-up as he will also be preparing for the party"

"I see" she casually answered as Ye Jin and the others began fixing her hair.

Her golden locks were intricately handled by Ye Jin. Slowly, her naturally semi-curled hair turned into a beautiful haven of roses. Ye Jin chose the intricate updo triple-braided roses that easily drew everyone to her lovely golden locks. She then placed the jeweled ornament to place more emphasis on her chosen color motif.

After finishing her hair, Ye Jin proceeded with her accessories. She presented in front Hou Wei Yan a beautiful red jewelry box with a phoenix symbol on its surface. Hou Wei Yan accepted it and surprise immediately crossed her face when she saw the bracelet and earrings inside it. "This is the jewelry, Young Master picked for you, Madame"

Inside the box were a bracelet and earrings that perfectly matched each other. The main highlight of the bracelet was the Emerald Gem with mesmerizing color and impeccable clarity perfectly cut into square radiant pieces. It was adorned by small diamonds intricately placed to maintain balance and bring more luxury to the piece. The earrings were a simple pair of Emerald Gem, medium in size, mesmerizing in sophistication, cut in pear perfection, and held by an Asscher diamond.

"Hmm" Hou Wei Yan mumbled as she touched the jewelry. The more she looks at it, the more she felt perplexed. "Why do I feel like something is going on with this jewelry?"

"Master brought it in an auction abroad" Song Ye Jin answered which immediately drew Hou Wei Yan's attention. [ An auction abroad? ]

The more she stared at it the more she felt it was familiar. If it was an auction abroad, she must have seen it on tv.

"This is one of the jewels worn by Empress Sylvia Asterion during her coronation. Master specially bought it because of your eyes, Madame" she added making Hou Wei Yan flinch.

[ That name! She's one of the most loved Queen in the world. Strong and intelligent, raised by the Emperor himself as his only heir, Sylvia Asterion rose as the hero of her nation. She was cold-blooded to her enemy but was kind to her people. She was well adored because she fears nothing and heads to battle herself making her a well-known Knight Empress! ]

Hou Wei Yan adored this Empress but she slowly forgot about such adoration because of her busy schedule. To think she would be presented with her idol's jewelry.

"He's at it again" she softly mumbled before looking up at Song Ye Jin. "Please thank him thoroughly"

"You should thank him personally, Madame" Song Ye Jin replied as she slowly placed the bracelet on her hand. "Master will be attending the ball today"

At her answer, the corner of Hou Wei Yan's mouth curved into a smile. Ah, her anticipation is rising again. To hide such excitement, she took hold of the earrings and clasped them to her ear. "You're right, I should thank him personally"

A short time after their conversation, a soft knock was heard on the door. Gu Man then came inside with a smile on his face.

[ Looks like Young Master will fall in love again this evening! ]

"Darlene is here, Madame" he said before he stopped in front of Hou Wei Yan and opened the wooden black box with intricate goldenseal. Inside was a pair of Diamond Stilettos. "I also brought a gift from Miss Liu Shan. Master Hou sent it here. Lady Liu Shan says the lady must wear it tonight for she too will wear the same design"

Liu Shan sure moves fast. She must have heard from Cao Xiaolian that she will attend the ball.

The Eldest Miss of Liu Household that's currently ranked 8th in the Regal Family, Liu Shan.

Ever since she was young her relationship with Liu Shan has been as close as her siblings. Unlike Xie Na who doesn't care about tokens, Liu Shan is pretty obsessed with them. She liked to give her and Xie Na a gift that pairs with her. That's why she was no longer surprised she gifted her one again.

"Thank you, Uncle Gu" Hou Wei Yan said as Gu Man handed it to her maid and left. Afterward, Darlene entered the room, still dressed in casual clothing. As soon as he entered, she walked up to him and smiled. "Darlene"

Darlene kissed Hou Wei Yan on both cheeks. His smile reached his eyes as he watched Wei Yan don one of his gowns. "Truly, you picked the right dress, Madame. It brings out your eyes"

Hou Wei Yan gave him a smile of pure gratitude. Having him as her stylist is a blessing in itself.

"Please let me make you even more stunning" he said all of a sudden before he guided her back to her seat. As she faced the huge mirror, she can't help but admire Song Ye Jin's skills in styling hair.

"I'll make you so beautiful, everyone would be envious of you" Darlene remarked with a huge grin on his face before he started working.

.....

Tonight was no ordinary night. Celebrities and well-known business icons flooded the Great Imperial Hotel of Beijing. All of them were donning majestic and eye-captivating clothes that made the evening both luxurious and grand. Everyone entered the hotel carrying with them the golden invitation for tonight's party.

For the precious Liu Household's youngest miss, Liu Jiayi's birthday party.

The said woman was in the middle of the venue, greeting some guests and listening to their little chatter. Some of them were foreign to her but they chattered in front of her as though they were long acquaintances when in truth, she barely knows them at all.

As the host of the party, Liu Jiayi was left with no choice but to keep up appearances and entertain them in her sister's stead for the Eldest Miss to run off to who knows where. She wants to strangle her Big Sister but she knew she would only be digging her own grave.

[ If only someone could save me from such torture! ]

"Happy Birthday, Jiayi" a familiar voice said from behind her. As fast as lightning, Jiayi turned around and was stunned to see the red-haired beauty of F(x) Technologies.

"Big Sister Xiaolian!" she shouted in happiness before she engulfed the beauty in a warm hug. "How have you been, Big Sister?"

"Doing great" Cao Xiaolian casually replied before she parted with Liu Jiayi. As soon as she did this, she scanned Jiayi and gave her a thumbs up. "You look stunning, Jiayi"

She smiled widely at her compliment. Liu Jiayi is well known for her beautiful onyx locks as black as an abyss and her dark blue eyes as deep as the waters of the Atlantic. For tonight's party, Jiayi was dressed in vermillion red marking her as the Phoenix of this evening.

The dress's waist is narrow, but it's a slim fit. A bow has been wrapped around her waist and positioned slightly to one side. Below the waist, the dress fits snug around her and has a suit skirt style. The dress reaches just below her knees and is longer in the back.

She's wearing peep toes, they're simple but radiate grace and refinement. To top it all off she's wearing an intricately designed necklace and large, stylish ruby earrings. She looked so marvelous that Xiaolian wants to clap in excitement.

"Jiayi!" someone called out taking both of their attention. As soon as they saw who it was, both can't help but smile widely her way.

"Xiao Jia!" Jiayi replied while hugging the superstar who has the same nickname as her and at the same time, the best friend she adores to the core.

The woman who just called out the host of the party attracted plenty of attention as she strode toward them. Her marvelous height of 5'9" despite her age of 21 and her identity as a popstar beauty queen made almost everyone gawk at her marvelous beauty.

Tan Jia was taller than Jiayi, her hair rose in color and short in length, and her eyes were as golden as the rays of the sun. She was a model before she entered the realm of acting that's why Jiayi accepted that Tan Jia was bound to be taller than her.

"Hello, Big Sister Xiaolian" Tan Jia politely greeted after Jiayi released her from her grasp. She looked behind Xiaolian and was quite surprised her clingy son wasn't sticking to her like a koala. "You didn't bring Yingjie?"

"No" Xiaolian replied before giving her a reassuring smile. "My baby brother came back with me. I asked him to handle Yingjie tonight. Besides, Wei Wei will be attending tonight, we can't leave early"

"Let's have a drink after this" somebody else said from behind so they turned around and saw one of the Xing Grandchildren. The almighty and unruly lioness of the Xing, Xing Cuifen. Her eyes of Oceanic blue shone in mischief before she walked towards them, her caramel-colored hair swaying as she did so.

"Sister Cuifen" Liu Jiayi excitedly called out.

Upon hearing her sister's excitement, Liu Shan revealed herself with a chuckle. "I'll arrange it for us"

Liu Shan, the future heiress of the Liu Conglomerate was a bronze-haired woman with exemplary dignity marked in her dark blue eyes. She was well known for being a woman no one should offend because she values her dignity as a Liu more than anything else. She was both prideful and sharp-tongued but at the same time composed and honorable. Unless she gets offended, Liu Shan is a reserved lioness.

"Shannie!" Xiaolian called out before she engulfed her in a hug. Liu Shan smiled before she hugged her back, extremely glad to meet her again.

"Okay, get off, Xiaolian" Liu Shan called out with a laugh when Cao Xiaolian didn't let go after a good few minutes. She didn't want to be seen in such a way in such a large crowd. "All that's missing is Xiao Xie"

"Right, where's that brat?" Xing Cuifen said not even minding her manners or her language for she was surrounded by her most trusted comrades.

"Big Brother Zedong promised to come. Maybe she'll come with him" Liu Jiayi said when she remembered the promise Xie Zedong made to her upon her arrival in China. Surely, as one of the most honorable men, she knows he won't go and break his promise. "You know Big Brother doesn't like escorting other women besides Xie Na"

All of them nodded their heads in agreement for they know just how stubborn he is when it comes to women and marriage. He doesn't want to be seen with different women and since he continues to remain single, he can only escort his sister to as not make unnecessary gossip.

"But isn't that, Big Brother Zedong?" Tan Jia blurted out when she saw a familiar raven hair and dark blue-eyed muscular man donned in a black suit walking on the red carpet. Her eyes displayed surprise when she saw who was with him. "With General Qiu's daughter?"

"Big Sister Meixiu?" Liu Jiayi called out before she took a peek.

"What? Sister Meixiu?" Shannie replied and took a peak as well. When she saw the familiar fondant-colored hair and golden eyes, her eyes immediately showed disbelief. They tried contacting her to join their gathering several times but she declined all of them.

"She didn't appear in any social gatherings after her father's death. Why is she with Brother Zedong?"

Xing Cuifen smiled. "General Qiu is Brother Zedong's mentor. They might be close"

"Let's go greet, Big Sister" Liu Jiayi excitedly exclaimed as she grabbed Shannie's hand.

Liu Shan looked at her sister before shaking her head at her overflowing energy. "No need. They are coming here"

Xie Zedong, the mighty ruler of Xie Conglomerate and Xie Na's Eldest brother. He's both cold-hearted and merciless as the President but extremely warm as a big brother to Xie Na and her friends. How fast he can change his attitude is still a great mystery to them.

"Happy Birthday Yi'Er" Zedong said with a smile on his face, a smile people rarely see. He handed his gift to her as a big brother would to his little sister. "A little something for the little princess"

"I'm now a grown-up, Big Brother" Liu Jiayi grumbled as she accepted the present he gave. In her heart, Xie Zedong is her big brother and no one can change that.

"You're still small, Yi'Er" Zedong said with cute laughter. After a few seconds, he glanced at his side and warmly held his partner's hands. "Right, let me introduce you to my date this evening. This is Qiu Meixiu"

Upon introduction, Xing Cuifen chuckled at his actions. "Brother Zedong, did you already forget? We're already acquainted with Sister Qiu"

Because of her statement, Zedong could only smile as he allowed Qiu Meixiu to break free from his grasp. She immediately hugged Jiayi with a beautiful smile adorning her face. "Happy Birthday, Jiayi"

"Thank you, Big Sister" Liu Jiayi replied, glad that she has already mustered the guts to attend social gatherings again.

Liu Shan warmly smiled at such a scene. Qiu Meixiu was definitely missed. "I'm glad you came, Sister Qiu"

"Shannie" she called out before holding her hands with an apologetic smile. She had rejected her invitations before because she wasn't ready to face the crowd or anyone without her father by her side. "I'm sorry if it took me a long time to come out and socialize again"

"It's okay, Sister Qiu" Liu Shan assured before she gave her a warm hug. Once they parted, she turned to Xie Zedong with a smile. "Senator Leng seems to be looking at you, Brother Zedong. Why don't you entertain him while we will catch up with Sister Qiu?"

"Alright" he immediately said, knowing full well what he will receive once he dismisses her obvious intentions. He planted a soft kiss on Qiu Meixiu's cheeks before winking at her. "Your first dance is mine, Xiu"

Qiu Meixiu immediately raised her brows before she chuckled and pushed him away from them. "Go away, Zee"

Xie Zedong gave one of his cute laughs, a low and endearing one that could send a woman to the hospital. He then left leaving the others to gawk at Qiu Meixiu with a knowing grin on their face.

"So you and Brother Zedong---"

"We're friends" Qiu Meixiu immediately replied. It was so swift the girls can't help but point it out as a cute defensive strike.

Xing Cuifen chuckled at her reaction. They know him since they were young and had observed his antics countless times. This was definitely not a simple act of friendship. "Brother Zedong doesn't act like that to a friend thou"

"He's like that because it's been a long time since we hanged out" she blurted out while puffing her cheeks. It's because he acts too casually that everyone misunderstands them.

But was it a misunderstanding on Xie Zedong's part?

"Really? How did you two meet again?" Tan Jia asked.

"Through Xie Na" she honestly replied upon remembering Xie Na's plea. She didn't want to face the girls because she knew they would immediately notice the difference. To escape her brother from forcing her to attend, she pleaded with Qiu Meixiu to take her place instead. If it weren't for Xie Na's current situation, she would definitely decline. "By the way, she can't make it today due to some health issues"

Liu Jiayi's face was sunken when she heard this. She was looking forward to meeting that weird sister again. "That's too bad"

"Did Xie Na ask Brother Zedong to take you in her stead?" Tan Jia asked, trying to confirm Xie Na's mischief again.

Qiu Meixiu shyly nodded her head, admitting that she fell for her tricks. "Yeah. That's what happened"

"That sly fox" Cuifen said while shaking her head. Playing cupid is one of Xie Na's favorite games and now her target is her own brother.

"I'm surprised you're close to Xie Na, Sister Qiu" Liu Jiayi blurted out of the blue. Even her sister had a hard time contacting Qiu Meixiu, but she's surprisingly close to Xie Na who never bothered with setting up gatherings and staying in contact. She may be acquainted with Xie Zedong but their friendship wasn't as close as before.

Qiu Meixiu smiled, knowing full well what was running in Liu Jiayi's mind. "I'm now working as Wei Wei's assistant. She hangs out at her office all the time"

The girls looked at one another when she said such words. She's Hou Wei Yan's assistant?

They never dared disturb Hou Wei Yan after she returned to China in fear of reopening some scars. They knew her circumstances and understand that she needed to adjust first before they can meet her again. Because of this, they can forgive her for not contacting them. But that does not mean they can condone her for keeping such huge information from them.

Liu Shan and Xing Cuifen looked at one another, a plan of torture brewing in their mind and their target is none other than Hou Wei Yan.

"Oh, so you're her assistant" Xiaolian exclaimed in excitement breaking the tense atmosphere forming around the two Lioness of the group. She offered her hands towards Qiu Meixiu with a warm smile adorning her face. "I'm Cao Xiaolian, Yingjie's mother. Thank you for taking care of him. It must have been hard"

Qiu Meixiu smiled wide when she heard this. Such a beautiful woman, no wonder Cao Yingjie looks cute despite the fats on his face. "It was fun. Yingjie is a very bright child"

Upon hearing her compliment, Cao Xiaolian can't help but chuckle. Her child is indeed bright but mischief runs in his blood. "He is, but he's mostly naughty"

The girls continued their little chatter, reminiscing about the moments they spent together along with the humiliating things they did in the past.

As their conversation turned a little chaotic, a sweet voice called out to one of them. "Meixiu?"

Qiu Meixiu immediately turned around when she heard the voice. She knew who it was because no one else owns such a sweet and seductive voice other than the notorious military seductress. The woman standing before her is one of China's Lieutenant Generals known as the Military Princess adored by her eyes as clear as the sky and hair as bright as the sun...Yue Xiaoli.

"Oh? Xiaoli!"

"So it's you" Yue Xiaoli excitedly exclaimed before she hugged her tightly. It's been a while since she saw Qiu Meixiu. After she left the military, she never got to see her again. "You oldie, why didn't you tell me you were coming tonight"

Qiu Meixiu smiled at her warmness and slowly chuckled when she noticed that the brat did not change at all. "It was decided on a rush"

She then turned to her friends who were smiling at their interaction. "By the way, this is Yue Xiaoli. General Yue's daughter"

She thought they would react and introduce themselves but they reacted the opposite way. Yue Xiaoli chuckled before she slung her arms on Liu Jiayi so casually it made Qiu Meixiu flinch in surprise.

[ She was too casual! ]

Noticing her frightened reaction, Yue Xiaoli laughed quite hysterically. "Oh, Meixiu. Jiayi is my friend"

"How?" she immediately asked as she tilted her head.

Yue Xiaoli grinned widely. "I beat her up once, then we became friends"

After hearing this, Qiu Meixiu can't help but sigh in anguish. How could she forget Xiaoli's antics? Yue Xiaoli was raised pampered and free so she tends to act rashly and recklessly. She's never afraid of social standings and loves fighting like a lunatic. The way she creates friends is through fighting, reasoning out that a real friend should be able to fight alongside her.

"You thick-skinned psycho" she said in disbelief. Yue Xiaoli smiled at her reaction. She never bothered about what society thought about her. As a military woman, what she cares about is her mission.

"Happy Birthday, Jiayi" Yue Xiaoli said as she engulfed one of her dearest friends in a tight hug.

Liu Jiayi hugged her back. "Thank you, Crazy Big Sister"

As soon as they parted, a series of gasps were heard from the entrance. Their group looked at one another as the sudden commotion grew louder and louder. "Hmm, what's going on?"

"Is she finally here?" Liu Shan suddenly asked, excitement marked in her eyes.

Yue Xiaoli looked at Jiayi in confusion. "Did you invite a superstar, Jiayi?"

"Tan Jia is our Superstar" she immediately answered with a huge grin on her face. Finally, the big sister all of them missed has arrived. "The one who arrived is a different kind of star"

All of them looked at the source of the commotion and there stood on the red carpet, Hou Wei Yan donning her emerald green gown.

She was adorned in Emerald jewelry that all of them can't help but notice her eyes that have a similar shine as her accessories.

What made everyone even more drawn to her were the men escorting her. It was two of the Xing Grandchildren, the beloved twins, Xing Qiu and Xing Yun.

The lady was enough to cause a commotion but the two men beside her made everything look even more bizarre. Who is she that the great twins would escort her to a grand party such as this?

"Hou Wei Yan" Yue Xiaoli mumbled as she smiled at the Goddess.

The young maidens and Madames in the venue who witnessed her arrival can't help but gasp when they noticed what she was wearing. "Oh my God, that gown! Isn't that part of Le Chartier's recent special collection?!"

"Special collection?" one of the youngest in the crowd asked, unsure what they are talking about.

One of the guests who was quite obsessed with both gossip and fashion decided to explain how highly acclaimed Le Chartier is. "Once a year, Le Chartier releases a special collection of gowns. I heard they can only be bought during their Auction and once bought, they can't be reproduced"

"You mean it's a limited edition? There's only one of that gown in this world?" somebody else asked with amusement.

"Yes. That's why Le Chartier's special collection is hailed as the best" another one chirped before she drew close to her companion and whispered one of the well-known gossips when it comes to Le Chartier's Special Collection. "Even Senator Leng's wife had a hard time buying one"

"Oh my, she must be really rich" her companion replied as she stared at the dress. She then looked at the twins and began doubting what she said. The Xing is the true golden dragon in China, perhaps she just got showered by their favor. "Did the twins sponsor her?"

"What are you talking about? Do you know how aloof those twins are?" one of the people who heard exclaimed all of a sudden. Sprouting such words in such gatherings and under the twins' proximity is dangerous. "They don't like to associate themselves with people drawn by their wealth"

The other Madame who heard this nodded her head. It was a well-known fact to them. Many women have tried vying for the position of their partner but they know too well how to read people. They can get easily enraged when people try to covet them for their wealth.

"Which means that Lady is rich enough to have them both escort her"

"Look at her earrings and her bracelet" someone who was quite obsessed with jewelry pointed out. "Isn't that the prized collection of Empress Sylvia? That's one of the jewelry she used during her coronation"

"But that was auctioned in France. I was there myself. Was she the one who bought it all the way from France?" her companion asked as she tilted her head. She remembered the one who bought it was a man wearing a mask. The price he raised for that jewelry was astronomical which created plenty of gossip. But because f his wish to remain unknown and his unusually high authority, the press wasn't able to learn who he was.

As they continued checking out the said woman who took all of their attention, they gasped more as they noticed her purse. "My goodness, she's donned in gems. Even her purse is a limited edition one. Look, it's made out of diamonds"

"She's a walking bank" someone exclaimed in amusement.

"Who is she anyway?"

"A Goddess" one of the people who was staring at Hou Wei Yan's face said with a smile. No matter what she wears, with that face, she was bound to look beautiful. "She's a Goddess"